CARR’S BAY – Sea bathers and business owners are keeping an eye on the Sargassum seaweed which has been making its way along the coastline over the past week.
On Tuesday, the seaweed could be seen coming in near Carr’s Bay beach. According to reports received, it has already affected the coastline in Lookout and in Trant’s.
Sargussum Seaweed is a floating, brownish algae that attracts sand fleas and smells like rotten eggs. It is generally attached to rocks along costs in temperate regions. The seaweed blooms in the Sargasso Sea, located in a two million square mile body of warm water in the North Atlantic ocean.
Scientists have noted an increased in the algae this year and it is prompted CARICOM and other regional bodies to invest funds and other resources to tackle the problem.
The smell has been the cause of tourist cancellations in several Caribbean resort destinations.
Vita Wade of Aqua Montserrat said while it can be stinky and itch is important to let nature take its course. However, she is concerned that the seaweed could endanger turtles which are still coming to shore to nest. “They can get tangled in the seaweed and if they are unable to come to shore then the hatchlings can be trapped as well.”
Carr’s Bay is not far from the island’s most popular beach at Little Bay.
Director of Agriculture Ms Melissa O’Garro says they have been prioritising the beaches where turtles have been nesting. The high costs associated with the frequent cleanups is a challenge.
